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Woman, 80, dies after being struck by bicyclist in Arlington
June 12, 2012 -- 10:26 AM

An 80-year-old woman died after she was struck by a bicyclist on Four Mile Run Trail in Arlington, authorities said.

Ita Lapina, of Arlington, was struck Monday morning and died from her injuries later in the day, according to Arlington County police.

About 7:10 a.m. Monday, police were called to the bike path in the area of 4900 Columbia Pike. The bicyclist and a witness told police that the cyclist was going downhill on his Next Powerclimber bike and saw Lapina in front of him.

The bicyclist, a 62-year-old man, told police that he tried to warn Lapina by yelling "to your left" and by ringing a bell. Lapina stepped to her left, turned around and was struck head on, police said.

Lapina fell backwards and hit her head on the pavement, sustaining significant head trauma, police said. She was taken to a hospital and was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m. Monday.

The bicyclist was treated for a minor knee injury and did not need to be taken to a hospital. No charges have been brought against him.

Add another hazard to these park paths.
If not raped by a Hispanic , or robbed by negroes, you can be run over by a douche in tights and a funny helmet.
Next time you want to use one of these dangerous trails, go instead to the Vienna Inn and think it through while enjoying a chile dog and a draft.

The bicyclist, a 62-year-old man, told police that he tried to warn Lapina by yelling "to your left" and by ringing a bell. Lapina stepped to her left, turned around and was struck head on, police said.

ok, so all a bicyclist needs to do is yell at a pedestrian to "move to the left" and it sucks for them if they don't listen.

The trails are not a cycling track. If he was passing at such a great rate of speed that he hit her, he was going too fast. As a biker, I am ashamed of the indifference some of these bikers show to pedestrians.

So who is to say what "To your left" means. Poor old lady maybe thought it meant move to your left. Not everyone is familiar with some spandex wearing bike language. The other big issue is how fast this guy was going. Maybe by the time she could hear him it was too late to do anything. He must have been going pretty fast to have knocked her down.

They do this at Burke Lake all the time flying down the sometimes very narrow path just yelling at people to get out of their way. Many people have young kids and they dont always respond to your yelling.

So you know what I pay plenty of taxes to maintain the park so go fuck yourself and your bike. I will walk where I damn well please. Go ride the paved path on 123 instead. You cried and had a hissy fit until VDOT paved that path just for you so go use it and stay out of Burke Lake.

Speed limit on that trail is 15MPH and ACPD does hand out speeding tickets once in a while. I used to ride right where that happened quite a bit. The only hill to speak of is where the 4 mile run trail goes under the bridge. W&OD trail, which is right next to it is pretty much flat.

>
> They do this at Burke Lake all the time flying
> down the sometimes very narrow path just yelling
> at people to get out of their way. Many people
> have young kids and they dont always respond to
> your yelling.
>
> So you know what I pay plenty of taxes to maintain
> the park so go fuck yourself and your bike. I will
> walk where I damn well please. Go ride the paved
> path on 123 instead. You cried and had a hissy fit
> until VDOT paved that path just for you so go use
> it and stay out of Burke Lake.

I don't bike ride at Burke Lake park anymore - too narrow, too dangerous, too many walkers/joggers/dog-walkers/runners, most of which disregard the posted rules for the path. You know, stay right, single file, all that. And since you have Burke Lake, keep off the paved path on 123...:)

> I don't bike ride at Burke Lake park anymore - too
> narrow, too dangerous, too many
> walkers/joggers/dog-walkers/runners, most of which
> disregard the posted rules for the path. You
> know, stay right, single file, all that. And
> since you have Burke Lake, keep off the paved path
> on 123...:)
Attachments:

Oh well...I was thinking of getting some exercise at Burke Lake, but I'm not willing to be run over by bikers. I don't know why, but I've been run into by bikes, inadvertently hit by strangers, and stepped on more times than I can count. I'm really short, but not invisible. Pay attention, people!

Sick of two-legged deer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
I don't bike ride at Burke Lake park anymore - too
> narrow, too dangerous, too many
> walkers/joggers/dog-walkers/runners, most of which
> disregard the posted rules for the path. You
> know, stay right, single file, all that. And
> since you have Burke Lake, keep off the paved path
> on 123...:)

there are no such signs telling people to walk single file. Burke Lake is way too narrow a path for speeding bikes yet they do it anyway. I paid for 123 as well as Burke Lake so I will walk wherever I damn well please. I am not aware of any state code or county code that says I must walk to the right on a foot path so get used to me being in your way.

BEH Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Add another hazard to these park paths.
> If not raped by a Hispanic , or robbed by negroes,
> you can be run over by a douche in tights and a
> funny helmet.
> Next time you want to use one of these dangerous
> trails, go instead to the Vienna Inn and think it
> through while enjoying a chile dog and a draft.

> The bicyclist, a 62-year-old man, told police that
> he tried to warn Lapina by yelling "to your left"
> and by ringing a bell. Lapina stepped to her left,
> turned around an was struck head on, police said.

lance armstrong my ass Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It has so far. I hear them yelling and ringing
> those annoying bells, I stay put. They get pissed
> and I dont give a shit. Go around me or better yet
> stay on the regular road and dodge cars.

I like the bicyclists off the road, although on a plus note, I do like being able to clean off the lint from my mirrors on Braddock Road near Wakefield Rec Center from bike helmets I hit along the way. Safety first!

Was the guy who hit her upset or remorseful? I would have been a wreck if I'd injured someone like that, even if they didn't die. RIP, 80yr old lady. What an awful way to go. Reminds me of one of those random death scenes on Six Feet Under.

Sorry but those paths and trails aren't bike "roads". I ride on them with pedestrians and it's not hard to get around people without even having to yell ahead or ring a bell--but then I'm not speeding right by them, either. That's rude.

For this douche not to be charged indicates he's probably connected locally.
The cops don't prosecute their friends.
My guess is he's not remoreseful, probably annoyed at the inconvenience that poor womans death caused him.
Sometimes, what comes around goes around. Hopefully, some douche in a car will get impatient , blow his horn, and run down this offensive asshole, just like he did to the old lady.

BEH Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> For this douche not to be charged indicates he's
> probably connected locally.
> The cops don't prosecute their friends.
> My guess is he's not remoreseful, probably annoyed
> at the inconvenience that poor womans death caused
> him.
> Sometimes, what comes around goes around.
> Hopefully, some douche in a car will get impatient
> , blow his horn, and run down this offensive
> asshole, just like he did to the old lady.

Don't give up just yet -- the whole damn country blew up in moral outrage when we found out George Zimmerman killed someone and wasn't charged. A tip to the right media outlet could get the ball rolling.

jhey Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> BEH Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > For this douche not to be charged indicates
> he's
> > probably connected locally.
> > The cops don't prosecute their friends.
> > My guess is he's not remoreseful, probably
> annoyed
> > at the inconvenience that poor womans death
> caused
> > him.
> > Sometimes, what comes around goes around.
> > Hopefully, some douche in a car will get
> impatient
> > , blow his horn, and run down this offensive
> > asshole, just like he did to the old lady.
>
> Don't give up just yet -- the whole damn country
> blew up in moral outrage when we found out George
> Zimmerman killed someone and wasn't charged. A tip
> to the right media outlet could get the ball
> rolling.

Now if they had she the old lady was black, this would be a different story.

How the fuck are you supposed to know what "to your left" means? I can totally understand how some 80-year-old woman wouldn't understand bullshit bicyclist jargon. Maybe "stay to your right" would make more sense.

do you hear yourself? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "Probably" and "my guess is " Thats why you can
> come here and get so much inside factual
> information.
So kill me for specualting...as if it's going to change the movement of the universe. If you want the facts, read the Washington Post.

I run on the W&OD and also along the Potomac from TR Island past the airport. Both places are filled with bikers who evidently get their jollies by seeing how close they can come to runners when going by. No warning no nothing and I don't believe the asshole who ran over the woman yelled any warning. My solution is to start throwing out brass tacks all over the pathway. These won't hurt walkers or runners but should at least blow out a tire or two. Maybe then these jerks will slow down.

In my experience, most adult bicyclists are completely irresponsible, with results as in this case. These arrogant idiots also think they are exempt from road laws and in VA are not even required to wear helmets, so when they get head injuries, guess who pays most of their medical bills for the rest of their lives - us, the taxpayers. There should be a law requiring each bicycle owned by an adult to be licensed for a one-time fee of $500, dedicated as a token amount to maintaining the roads they use, with a $2,000 fine for violation. (This would also make it easy to return stolen bikes to their owners.) BTW, did you know a quarter of federal gas taxes go to biking trails and transit? So motorists are subsidizing cyclists...

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> kardiac Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > No warning no nothing and I don't
> > believe the asshole who ran over the woman
> yelled
> > any warning.
>
> I think he did. I think he yelled "to your left,"
> and the woman didn't understand what he wanted her
> to do and stepped left right into him.

The biker said he did. Thats what he told the cops. I don't believe him.

> > > any warning.
> >
> > I think he did. I think he yelled "to your
> left,"
> > and the woman didn't understand what he wanted
> her
> > to do and stepped left right into him.
>
> The biker said he did. Thats what he told the
> cops. I don't believe him.

Like I said, who the fuck knows what "to your left" means? If you weren't used to bikers yelling it, I could totally understand an 80-year-old lady thinking he was telling her to go to her left.

This is why I don't wince at the thought of these douches being scraped off the road. I haven't seen, for at least the last five years, a cyclist stop at a stop sign. If you want to share you the road, you gotta obey the same laws as everyone else.

You might have a point if every automobile driver obeyed every law but practically EVERY driver drives above the speed limit whenever possible, a good percentage of them fail to indicate turns or lane changes, and many drivers roll through stop signs as well. These utterly commonplace infractions are far more dangerous to our community than bicyclists coasting through a stop signs.

This particular unfortunate bicyclist was obeying the laws. Not every unfortunate accident has a villain.

Take a good look at the direction this country is headed in terms of transportation alternatives to the automobile and then get used to seeing more and more bicycles around you as you learn to share the road.

NOVAJovah Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This is why I don't wince at the thought of these
> douches being scraped off the road. I haven't
> seen, for at least the last five years, a cyclist
> stop at a stop sign. If you want to share you the
> road, you gotta obey the same laws as everyone
> else.

judd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You might have a point if every automobile driver
> obeyed every law but practically EVERY driver
> drives above the speed limit whenever possible, a
> good percentage of them fail to indicate turns or
> lane changes, and many drivers roll through stop
> signs as well. These utterly commonplace
> infractions are far more dangerous to our
> community than bicyclists coasting through a stop
> signs.
>
> This particular unfortunate bicyclist was obeying
> the laws. Not every unfortunate accident has a
> villain.
>
> Take a good look at the direction this country is
> headed in terms of transportation alternatives to
> the automobile and then get used to seeing more
> and more bicycles around you as you learn to share
> the road.

I think it's fair to say most drivers don't speed more than 5 over. And I believe most other drivers who post on this forum will agree with my estimates. I guess you time on your bike has left you out of touch with how drivers in this area are. Most of them like doing 45 in the left lane on the parkway. And for people "rolling" through stop signs, I'd say at least 75 - 85 percent reduce their speed down at least 2 - 5 mph, before making sure the intersection is clear and proceeding, if not stopping completely. What I have personally seen is about 85 to 95 percent of cyclists not stopping and blowing through stop signs and red lights at at least 20 - 30 mph. Granted I'm sure they stop when others are in or approaching the intersection (which I've never seen), but unlike car drivers who stop and or slow down signifcantly even though they don't see anybody else in the vicinity of the intersection, cyclists blow through entirely, not slowing down but rather completely disregarding the sign if they think no one else is near.

Now I don't care if people want use bikes instead of cars. But you must make a conscious effort to bike safely if you wish to use the same roads and paths as everyone else. It's not just you on that path, and it's not just you approaching that intersection. So think twice before you blow that stop sign.

But in this specific case, the helmeted, tight wearing douche didn't exercise due caution. If you're going to ride a speeding vehicle among walkers and strollers extra care is called for. Especially if you see someone that old.
I really hope the cyclist gets a bit of his own medicine and winds up maimed and disemboweled under a dump truck. In fact, if I found out he did, I'd buy a round for the house at the Vienna Inn.

I ride bikes. I have a roadie I use when I want to go fast (mostly on the road, but at times on the W&OD) and a mountain bike I've converted to a commuter/errand running bike.

Do I announce that I'm passing on the trails? Every single time. If there's no acknowledgement the first time (a hand gesture, glance over the shoulder), I announce again. Loudly. If there's still no response, I carefully make my way by the person, especially if they're wearing headphones.

Do I stop at stop signs? Rarely (it depends on the cross street). Do I stop at stop lights? More often than not.

I also wear spandex on my longer rides (the compression shorts help reduce fatigue, as well as aid in recovery -- they most definitely aren't worn for style!) and bright shirts on all my rides. The loud colors are to help alert drivers that I'm there (as if the blinking lights on my bikes aren't enough -- they're not...I almost got taken out by a driver last weekend who not only didn't look when he turned right on red, he didn't even stop at the stop light!).

The reason why I'm sharing this is that there are all kinds of riders out there. Some announce as they pass. Others stop at stop lights and stop signs (yes, I've seen them) Just like there are all kinds of drivers out there. Some use their signals, others are like those that were highlighted in the the recent video posted here on Fairfax drivers. But I'm sure every single one of you posting above is a perfect driver on the road. Each of you stay within the speed limit, never cut it close when merging, always yield the right-of-way when necessary and always, I repeat, ALWAYS, use your turn signal when changing lanes or making turns.

The facts of the case aren't all known. How fast was he going? We don't know. Did he signal? According to him he did. The mere fact that he had a bell on his bike indicates to me that he's probably a somewhat courteous rider who erred and caused an accident. There's no evidence that he did this on purpose, nor is there any evidence that he's not remorseful.

Should he be charged? In my min, yes. Will he be charged? That's another story and one left for the prosecution.

not lance Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Do I stop at stop signs? Rarely (it depends on
> the cross street). Do I stop at stop lights? More
> often than not.

At least you admit it. That makes you a way better person than all those other clowns who try to deny everything and pretend like cyclists are saints who never do wrong, and that it's all the drivers around them.

And I'll admit I strive to go 5 to 10 over, but I always try to signal. It's a big pet peeve of mine, and I hate it when I see people not using their signals. I can only imagine it must be doubly frustrating for cyclists.

judd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> This particular unfortunate bicyclist was obeying
> the laws. Not every unfortunate accident has a
> villain.

Maybe maybe not. It depends on how fast he was going. He might be able to slip by on the accident but not so sure about how he would do in a civil trial. I would not accept his yelling "To your left" as enough to justify running into the old woman.

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If a pedestrian crosses in the middle of the
> street and gets hit by a car, we know the
> pedestrian is to blame.
>
> If a car blows a light and hits someone, we know
> the driver is to blame.
>
> If a bicyclist blows a stop sign and gets honked
> at for nearly hitting a car...by God, the cyclist
> is RIGHT! Fuck you haters in cars! How DARE you
> honk and ME the CYCLIST!
>
> Seriously, that's their fucking attitude.

Sometimes I think about buying a bike, that it would be a fun way to get some exercise and see the area. Then I remembered that I have a sense of decency, so I can't be a cyclist.

======================================

HEY KIDS: TIME 4 JOKEZ!!!¡ Ja ja ja ! :)

Q: What do you call a jerk on a two-wheeled toy intended for children?
A: A cyclist!

Q: What do you call someone who hangs out with musicians?
A: A drummer!

Q: What do you call someone who hangs out with no one?
A: A cyclist! Because they're obnoxious and they wear those stupid spandex outfits!

Q: What's the difference between a gypsy and a cyclist?
A: One is a social parasite who actively resists integration into modern civilization, playing off of the basic human decency of others in order to perpetuate his selfish, insustainable, warped lifestyle. The other is called a "Romani," you racist.

Q: Now there's nothing funny about the atrocities committed by the Nazis during World War II. The Holocaust represents the worst impulses of humanity, and while it is an ugly stain on history, it must be acknowledged if only to ensure that nothing like it ever happens again. That said, who should Hitler have killed 6 million of instead?
A: Cyclists!

Well, anyone can sue anyone for anything in civil court but on this particular path, there is no speed limit, therefore, he did not break any laws. The fact that he had a bell and witnesses is going to complicate matters for the plantiff. However as a general rule, pedestrians have right-of-way over bikes and bikes have right-of-way over automobiles.

The important thing to note here is that this NEVER happens in this area. A bicyclist KILLING a pedestrian on a mixed-use path? That's crazy, not an epidemic.

I like to think that this could not happen to me but accidents happen. Maybe I would be more cautious going downhill on a blind curve? I don't know.

barry c Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> judd Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> >
> > This particular unfortunate bicyclist was
> obeying
> > the laws. Not every unfortunate accident has a
> > villain.
>
> Maybe maybe not. It depends on how fast he was
> going. He might be able to slip by on the accident
> but not so sure about how he would do in a civil
> trial. I would not accept his yelling "To your
> left" as enough to justify running into the old
> woman.

judd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Well, anyone can sue anyone for anything in civil
> court but on this particular path, there is no
> speed limit, therefore, he did not break any laws.
> The fact that he had a bell and witnesses is going
> to complicate matters for the plantiff. However as
> a general rule, pedestrians have right-of-way over
> bikes and bikes have right-of-way over
> automobiles.

I can cut down a tree on my property and what if it falls on a neighbor. No criminal offense but you can be sure the civil liability is there. You need to get over the speed limit thing. He has to exercise caution. I think yelling at someone to move to your right isnt enough especially if he uses bicycle jargon. Suppose the woman didnt speak English or was deaf. Is it her fault he ran into her? I dont think so.

I think based upon the information we've been given, there's just not enough to deduce anything of reason. Its up for the prosecutors office to decide, if and when charges are applicable, and of course the family has the civil court right, with a much lower standard for evidence.

As for this area, I like to bike on occasion. You have to be cautious regardless of where you are, and yes you are considered a vehicle. Yet, to bike on the streets is fucked up, due to not only the roads, but mostly the shithead drivers around here.

Until we can improve the infastructure, trails are your best option, and due dilligence by bikers, and also folks on foot, please stick to the right, its two to tango in many regards, then we all can have fun on even congested trails. Its all about environment and taking the proper measures.

As one who rides Burke Lake, and has ridden the lake for 30 years, I can tell you that it's gotten worse over the more recent years...

Walking duos/groups refusing to share the trail, dog walkers letting the dog walk on one side of the trail and the dog on the other, and others just ignoring the obvious, make it difficult to ride at any real speed.

I use the trail with my family and we ride often - and fast!

Anyways, common sense on both sides should be used. If I encounter a dummy on the path who can't, won't, and does not move over, I slow down. It isn't a big deal. Usually it is the 65+ y/o dudes who yell. Wah...

...in the 22039 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> As one who rides Burke Lake, and has ridden the
> lake for 30 years, I can tell you that it's gotten
> worse over the more recent years...
>
> Walking duos/groups refusing to share the trail,
> dog walkers letting the dog walk on one side of
> the trail and the dog on the other, and others
> just ignoring the obvious, make it difficult to
> ride at any real speed.
>
> I use the trail with my family and we ride often -
> and fast!
>
> Anyways, common sense on both sides should be
> used. If I encounter a dummy on the path who
> can't, won't, and does not move over, I slow down.
> It isn't a big deal. Usually it is the 65+ y/o
> dudes who yell. Wah...

You,sir, are an asshole. A mixed use trail is no place to go fast. I intend on making it difficult for you to ride at any speed. You want to do that? Get your spandex rearend up and out at 6am. Maybe the trail will be empty. But anyone on foot has the right-of-way over you and your silly expensive bike. I run on the right but I still get buzzed by assholes like you trying to liven up their boring day. Great exercise I bet...coasting downhills. No wonder I see so many fat bikers.

The path at Burke Lake is no place to ride fast or for that matter to ride at all. There are parts that are just too narrow. But you cannot tell these spandex riders anything, they will continue to ride like the self important pricks they are. To hear them tell it bikes have the right away over everyone.

You cannot really expect a family of five to march in single file so you can zoom by almost knocking down little kids. You cried and whined until VDOT paved a nice wide path for you on 123 and you hardly ever use it. I think you prefer to ride where you can exercise your total freedom to be a douche.

judd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> to complicate matters for the plantiff. However as
> a general rule, pedestrians have right-of-way over
> bikes and bikes have right-of-way over
> automobiles.

Come again? The only legal categories are pedestrian and vehicle.

A bicycle that is being ridden is just another vehicle with the same rights and responsibilities as any motorcycle or car. The only way a bicyclist has any claim to right of way is if they are walking the bike rather than riding it, in which case they are a pedestrian.

Their hero takes a fall too Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> AUSTIN, Texas (AP)
> The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is bringing doping
> charges against seven-time Tour de France winner
> Lance Armstrong, questioning his victories in
> those storied cycling races.
>
> Armstrong, who retired from cycling last year,
> could face a lifetime ban from the sport if he is
> found to have used performance-enhancing drugs.
>
> The story was first reported Wednesday by the
> Washington Post

Hmmm, wondering what Barry Bonds and Mark Mcgwire have to say about this

Reports say the woman jumped in front of the biker. I wonder how many of you fat-assed retards would have the reflexes to avoid a pedestrian who jumped in front of your car before you hit them. No doubt none of you couch-potato zombies could avoid hitting the jumper.

I walk the trail around the lake all of the time. I have a hearing problem and many times cannot hear people coming up behind me. Sometimes a family will come up behind me on bikes, kids first of course, and they make no effort to warn you at all or if they do I cannot hear them. So, I should just be mowed down by some rug rats!

Near GM Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I walk the trail around the lake all of the time.
> I have a hearing problem and many times cannot
> hear people coming up behind me. Sometimes a
> family will come up behind me on bikes, kids first
> of course, and they make no effort to warn you at
> all or if they do I cannot hear them. So, I should
> just be mowed down by some rug rats!

you spandex wearing, to old to be riding bikes, fake ass Lance Armstrong faggots need to die!.....you assholes think you own the road, you drive in the middle of the lanes & force cars to go around you into the next lane! At the W&O trail you faggots NEVER stop at the stop signs and run them all the time. It's way to dangerous having you spandex faggots out here!....I hope you all die!!!!

kardiac Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> ...in the 22039 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > As one who rides Burke Lake, and has ridden the
> > lake for 30 years, I can tell you that it's
> gotten
> > worse over the more recent years...
> >
> > Walking duos/groups refusing to share the
> trail,
> > dog walkers letting the dog walk on one side of
> > the trail and the dog on the other, and others
> > just ignoring the obvious, make it difficult to
> > ride at any real speed.
> >
> > I use the trail with my family and we ride often
> -
> > and fast!
> >
> > Anyways, common sense on both sides should be
> > used. If I encounter a dummy on the path who
> > can't, won't, and does not move over, I slow
> down.
> > It isn't a big deal. Usually it is the 65+ y/o
> > dudes who yell. Wah...
>
> You,sir, are an asshole. A mixed use trail is no
> place to go fast. I intend on making it difficult
> for you to ride at any speed. You want to do
> that? Get your spandex rearend up and out at 6am.
> Maybe the trail will be empty. But anyone on foot
> has the right-of-way over you and your silly
> expensive bike. I run on the right but I still get
> buzzed by assholes like you trying to liven up
> their boring day. Great exercise I bet...coasting
> downhills. No wonder I see so many fat bikers.

Riding the trail this evening, I slowed for ALL walkers, even the two groups who looked back and remained in place, taking up the whole path. Who is the a$$ Really?

You have made way too many generalizations in your rant. Allow me to help...
- I am courteous, not an a$$. I have 20/20 vision and recognize hazards, real or perceived.
- A mixed use trail is a place for bikes and walkers/runners alike.
- Silly and expensive bike? Actually, my bike is so cool, the last time I had it in for "tune-up", the shop put aside all work, just to get mine on their stand. Silly, ha!
- Wake-up at 6 AM? Not anymore... I ride sometimes in the eve., sometimes in the AM, but never at 6 AM. I'm out of that daily grind, thankfully.
- Buzzed by people like me? You don't know me, and I am sure you wouldn't talk your trash to anyone's face. Wow, internet is serious tonight...

For 30 years, I have ridden this trail. Maybe tomorrow, I'll stop and read the rules of the trail, seeing if I missed anything.

Biker? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I see a lot of people in this thread using the
> term "biker." Just to be clear:
>
> "Bikers" are the smelly guys with a leather
> fetish.
>
> "Cyclists" are the sweaty guys in tight little
> pants.
>
>
> We wouldn't want anybody to show up at Kilroy's
> tonight riding a Canondale, after all.

On a cannondale, that would be pretty funny to see... Someone put it on Youtube, if it happens!

all I know if that if a cyclist hits my kid on the Burke lake trail, he/she better be as contrite as HELL.................................or else I'll just tell the cops later that when you crashed, you split yr head open on the rock, is how all that happened and that you never regained consciousness.........

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> How the fuck are you supposed to know what "to
> your left" means? I can totally understand how
> some 80-year-old woman wouldn't understand
> bullshit bicyclist jargon. Maybe "stay to your
> right" would make more sense.

I was always told that pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way. Bike riders are and cars are supposed to yield to them, not the other way around.

>
>
> I was always told that pedestrians ALWAYS have the
> right of way.

No they don't. They only have the right of way when it is legal (marked crosswalk). They don't have the right of way if they are crossing in the middle of a major road with a speed limit in excess of 35 mph or if they disregard traffic lights or oncoming traffic.

I ride over 100 miles a week on roads and trails. Some of you anti-bike people are atrocious in your commenting.

Pedestrians need to stay to the right but I frequently encounter fat couch potato fags who stroll right down the center of the path or 3 abreast. I ring my bell and use proper pass notice procedure but I've grown tired of this because almost half the time they ignore it or cuss at me when I go by them. As a result I have decided I don't give a fuck. I whiz by people as fast as possible in hopes of "teaching" them how to properly walk the path on the right in single file. I really don't give a fuck if you like it or not. There ARE signs for pedestrians at park entrances. It is EVERYONES job to accomodate others. I deal with enough hatred on the road from drivers and I'm fed up with it.

...in the 22039 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> kardiac Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > ...in the 22039 Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > As one who rides Burke Lake, and has ridden
> the
> > > lake for 30 years, I can tell you that it's
> > gotten
> > > worse over the more recent years...
> > >
> > > Walking duos/groups refusing to share the
> > trail,
> > > dog walkers letting the dog walk on one side
> of
> > > the trail and the dog on the other, and
> others
> > > just ignoring the obvious, make it difficult
> to
> > > ride at any real speed.
> > >
> > > I use the trail with my family and we ride
> often
> > -
> > > and fast!
> > >
> > > Anyways, common sense on both sides should be
> > > used. If I encounter a dummy on the path who
> > > can't, won't, and does not move over, I slow
> > down.
> > > It isn't a big deal. Usually it is the 65+
> y/o
> > > dudes who yell. Wah...
> >
> > You,sir, are an asshole. A mixed use trail is
> no
> > place to go fast. I intend on making it
> difficult
> > for you to ride at any speed. You want to do
> > that? Get your spandex rearend up and out at
> 6am.
> > Maybe the trail will be empty. But anyone on
> foot
> > has the right-of-way over you and your silly
> > expensive bike. I run on the right but I still
> get
> > buzzed by assholes like you trying to liven up
> > their boring day. Great exercise I
> bet...coasting
> > downhills. No wonder I see so many fat bikers.
>
>
> Riding the trail this evening, I slowed for ALL
> walkers, even the two groups who looked back and
> remained in place, taking up the whole path. Who
> is the a$$ Really?
>
> You have made way too many generalizations in your
> rant. Allow me to help...
> - I am courteous, not an a$$. I have 20/20 vision
> and recognize hazards, real or perceived.
> - A mixed use trail is a place for bikes and
> walkers/runners alike.
> - Silly and expensive bike? Actually, my bike is
> so cool, the last time I had it in for "tune-up",
> the shop put aside all work, just to get mine on
> their stand. Silly, ha!
> - Wake-up at 6 AM? Not anymore... I ride sometimes
> in the eve., sometimes in the AM, but never at 6
> AM. I'm out of that daily grind, thankfully.
> - Buzzed by people like me? You don't know me, and
> I am sure you wouldn't talk your trash to anyone's
> face. Wow, internet is serious tonight...
>
> For 30 years, I have ridden this trail. Maybe
> tomorrow, I'll stop and read the rules of the
> trail, seeing if I missed anything.

Well asshole you have missed something. Horses have the absolute right of way then pedestrians then asshole bikers. Yes I have asked many riders to please stop and explain why brushing by me was fun. No one seems to want to stop. Like you I have used Fairfax trails and the W&OD for 30 years. I bet you are one of the chickenshit Reston bike riders who speed up afraid of a skinny dude at the end of a 20 mile run. They set aside other work because your bike is so cool? Really? That's just the mind set that brings this shit about. You think you come first ahead of all others. Reston is like "Animal Farm" Everyone is equal we are just more equal than anyone else. Asshole.

> Well asshole you have missed something. Horses
> have the absolute right of way then pedestrians
> then asshole bikers. Yes I have asked many riders
> to please stop and explain why brushing by me was
> fun. No one seems to want to stop. Like you I have
> used Fairfax trails and the W&OD for 30 years. I
> bet you are one of the chickenshit Reston bike
> riders who speed up afraid of a skinny dude at the
> end of a 20 mile run. They set aside other work
> because your bike is so cool? Really? That's just
> the mind set that brings this shit about. You
> think you come first ahead of all others. Reston
> is like "Animal Farm" Everyone is equal we are
> just more equal than anyone else. Asshole.

I am not from Reston, can't stand Reston, and certainly no chicken, afraid of anything I have ever come across in a lifetime of living in Fairfax County.

The guys at the bike shop worked on my bike first, but it was their choice, as they wanted to get their hands on my bike. Is it my fault I have a bike which they thought was cool enough to move to the front of the line, ahead of any of their other work? Again, it was THEIR choice.

So stop with your assumptions, please. You don't know me and I am sure you have never asked me to do anything in life, tough guy.

FWIW, I missed my morning ride, as I am just now starting my day. Maybe I'll ride later, as I still need to go and read that sign.

Geezus the savior Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "They don't have the right of way if they are
> crossing in the middle of a major road with a
> speed limit in excess of 35 mph or if they
> disregard traffic lights or oncoming traffic."
>
> More and more pedestrians seem to think they
> always have right of way even with oncoming
> traffic

I walk on the bike trail all the time and the bicyclists think they own it.
On more than one occasion they blow past when traffic is coming from the other direction, not yielding to the on coming bikes or the pedestrians.
They think that saying "on your left" is yielding enough.
Then when the local police come out to write some tickets for them not stopping or even slowing for the stop signs at the street intersections they get all pompous and arrogant, thinking the signs should not apply to them.
They should have charged that bicyclist.

Restonite Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I walk on the bike trail all the time and the
> bicyclists think they own it.
> On more than one occasion they blow past when
> traffic is coming from the other direction, not
> yielding to the on coming bikes or the
> pedestrians.
> They think that saying "on your left" is yielding
> enough.
> Then when the local police come out to write some
> tickets for them not stopping or even slowing for
> the stop signs at the street intersections they
> get all pompous and arrogant, thinking the signs
> should not apply to them.
> They should have charged that bicyclist.

The worst are the ones that get those Share the Road vanity plates on their cars and then ride like some self-entitled douchebag.
Attachments:

Schwinn biker Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I ride over 100 miles a week on roads and trails.
> Some of you anti-bike people are atrocious in your
> commenting.
>
> Pedestrians need to stay to the right but I
> frequently encounter fat couch potato fags who
> stroll right down the center of the path or 3
> abreast. I ring my bell and use proper pass
> notice procedure but I've grown tired of this
> because almost half the time they ignore it or
> cuss at me when I go by them. As a result I have
> decided I don't give a fuck. I whiz by people as
> fast as possible in hopes of "teaching" them how
> to properly walk the path on the right in single
> file. I really don't give a fuck if you like it
> or not. There ARE signs for pedestrians at park
> entrances. It is EVERYONES job to accomodate
> others. I deal with enough hatred on the road
> from drivers and I'm fed up with it.

^ Typical chip-on-shoulder cyclist. That's why there are only two types of people - asshole cyclists and those who hate them. lol